Our desire to adopt stems from a mutual desire placed in our hearts, we believe by God.This is something that we have discussed at various times both prior to and throughout our married years.We have two of our own biological children, Jaiden, 7 and Levi, 4 and due to some genetic issues; we were cautioned against having any more children biologically. We feel our family at this time is not complete and consider it an honor and privilege to have adoption as a means by which to add to our family.

Monday, March 7, 2011

That describes Michelle and I at the end of the day Saturday after some dear, gracious friends had hosted a yard sale to benefit our adoption. Words don't even exist in the English (or American Sign Language) vocabulary that describe our heart-felt gratitude towards both Ginger Armstrong and Diana Stanley for all of their hard work in organizing what turned out to be a HUGE yard sale.

As the news spread, furniture, small appliances and clothing came from three counties in two states and as far as 40 miles away. Things came from friends, from family of friends, from friends of friends, and from people we've never even met. An upright piano was even donated towards the sale. When all was said and done we had a two-car garage FULL of things to go through and set out for the sale.

The sale began at 6:00 A.M. on Friday when two gentlemen showed up before the advertised start of 7 AM. We had sold just over $100 in the first transaction. We had prayed for nice weather, and besides heavy wind gusts at time, it was a perfect day. By the time we wrapped up- around 5 PM, the sale had netted $1,300. In ONE day! We prepared for the next day by bringing EVERYTHING indoors- to our garage. Things were going to be tight as we were anticipating a near 100% chance of rain all day Saturday.

Saturday was, just as we had anticipated- WET. It rained, for the most part, the entire time. However, praise the Lord the rain was not as heavy as was originally expected. This allowed for a decent amount of shoppers to the sale. By the time it was said and done the sale- including monetary donations (one from a dear HS friend of Michelle's) had netted just over $2,100. Can you say 'AMEN?!'

Many people donated items, money and time to help make this awesome event happen. We are truly humbled and grateful.

Now we move on to the next stage of the process- the Home Study. We made contact today with an agency in Nashville that will help us with that. After a brief phone conversation, the director graciously waived the initial fee required for the home study, again- SPEECHLESS. Praise the Lord!

We also spent time talking with our case worker today and found out that we didn't have the most up-to-date fee schedule with all of the price breakdowns et cetera. Of course it would just so happen to be more than we originally expected, but that is okay- God has provided to this point and we know that He will continue to do so. We are excited to watch Him work!

We will have more fund-raisers coming in the future and will be sharing those with you as they come to be.

To all those who came, saw, bought, gave, donated, hung-out, and/or prayed. We are truly humbled and grateful. May God bless each and every one of you ten-fold.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Those were the words of a local meteorologist yesterday in reference to the bad storms that sent the Month of February out and the beautiful weather that has ushered the month of March in today here in Chattanooga.

We just wanted to share a quick note with you all. Thanks to some dear friends and their hard work, they have put together a benefit yard sale at our home this Friday and Saturday from 7 AM to ?

The weather looks to be right on target temperature-wise for this event, but there is some rain in the forecast. We ask that you pray with us, not that the rain will 'hold off,' but that whatever God ordains- we will be thankful and adjust accordingly.

If you live in the area, and you'd like to stop by- we'd love to see you! If you have 'junk' that may be another man's treasure that you'd like to donate, we'd love to take that off your hands as well. You can email us at: jmjwalt@gmail.com and we'll make arrangements to pick it up.

We are humbled by those friends who have worked so hard on this yard sale and for those who have donated some things already.